For anyone with a big appetite, McDonald’s might be about to serve up a burger to satisfy. Step forward: the Big Arch.
Let’s get one thing clear. If this ever hits the restaurant menu, it’ll be the biggest burger the brand has ever offered. To put that into numbers, it’s a 14-ounce sandwich with two quarter-pound beef patties.
This story first came to light via GeekSpin, which reported that a leaked internal manager document shared on Reddit hinted the Big Arch could show up in the United States after a long international rollout.
The Reddit leak was first reported in January 2026, and it also teased a hot honey sauce plus the return of the Oreo and Shamrock shakes.
For now, McDonald’s hasn’t confirmed a release date.
The Big Arch
The Big Arch is described as two beef patties, white cheddar-style cheese slices, crispy onions, fresh onions, lettuce, pickles, and a signature Big Arch sauce, all on a poppy-and-sesame-topped bun.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski called the Big Arch “a quintessential McDonald’s burger with a twist,” highlighting that it’s a mix of familiar flavors in a bigger, more indulgent portion.
In Canada, which already has the Big Arch, a meal costs $12.59 CAD. People who’ve tried it say it’s like two Big Macs in one, which sounds both delicious and potentially messy given the size and toppings.
For those in Chicago, the Big Arch is already available at McDonald’s HQ as a showpiece.
I’ve been watching food trends for decades, usually from the perspective of “that meal looks huge, I’ll try it.” These days, I have to play it safe. Still, the Big Arch sounds fantastic.
Big Arch calories
For anyone trying to be healthier, these numbers matter.
The Big Arch is a whopping 1,057 calories, compared to a regular McDonald’s hamburger at 255 calories. That’s a lot of exercise to burn off.
An article by Reuters highlighted that McDonald’s has dealt with periods of softer sales and traffic as price-sensitive customers pulled back. This might be why larger, more filling items keep getting attention as value is often the first thing consumers see.
If the Big Arch does hit menus here and you’re on a health kick, a little planning goes a long way, especially if you’re watching blood sugar, cholesterol, or blood pressure. Consider splitting it, skipping extra add-ons, and drinking water with it instead of soda.
I’ll be doing the same. I like big food, but health comes first.